Page 127 of Wilde Ride

“My goodness! You almost knocked me over!”

Rhett laughed.

A warmth spread through my chest as I watched them together. She was so damn good with him, and I knew she’d make a wonderful mother to my son. The thought wasn’t something new. As each day went by, I became increasingly sure that Emeline was the one. The woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

“How was your first day of school?”

Rhett jumped for joy when she put him back on the ground. “It was so fun! I got a star for being fast and quiet when Ms. Kennedy told us to get on the rug for story time!”

Emeline gasped and put her hands to her chest. “You already got a star?”

He nodded. “Yep! Sure did!”

She was down on his level, like she always was when she spoke to Rhett. “Well, I think that alone deserves another hug!”

Rhett wrapped his arms around her neck, and she stood, lifting him with her. “My goodness, pretty soon I won’t be able to lift you!”

“Grammy said I’m growing big because I eat all my broccoli.”

Emeline giggled. “I bet that’s one reason for sure.”

“Are you ready to see your surprise?” I asked.

Rhett grinned. “Yes! Come on, Emeline, we need to go back to the house!”

“The house?” Emeline asked. “But your surprise is right here.”

Walking down to the next stall, she opened the top door—and a stunning white and chestnut paint gelding poked his head out. A soft nicker came from the horse…and Rhett just stared at him.

“This is your surprise, Rhett,” Emeline said as I opened the lower stall door and brought the horse out into the aisle.

Emeline put Rhett down, then ran her hand over the gelding’s neck as she said, “His name is Orion, but you can change his name if you want.”

Rhett looked from the horse to me, and when I saw the tears build in his eyes, I almost fell to my knees.

“He’s mine?” he asked, wiping at his tears.

I nodded, unable to speak.

He turned to look back at the horse. Emeline reached down and picked him up, placing him on the back of the gelding as I held the reins.

“Look at you up there.” Her voice cracked, and I watched as she wiped her own tears from her face.

“Are you sad, Emeline?” Rhett asked. “Is he your horse, and you’re letting me have him?”

She let out what sounded like a laugh and a sob. “No, baby, these are happy tears, just like yours. He’s your horse, Rhett. Your daddy bought him for you.”

Rhett looked at me, and my throat still felt like it was packed with cotton. All I could do was smile and nod. My eyes stung with unshed tears.

“But was he your horse?” Rhett asked again.

She patted the horse’s neck and kissed him. “He was one of our horses, yes. But don’t tell the other horses—he’s one of my favorites. You’re going to have to take good care of him and feed him. You know how to clean out his stall, right?”

He nodded. “I sure do! Daddy taught me, and I took care of my other horse. I’ll love him always, I promise!”

Emeline smiled up at Rhett. “I know you will, bud. I know you will.”

Rhett looked at me, tears still slowly moving down his cheeks. “I love you, Daddy. Thank you for Orion!”